SUMMARY:

The Planning Director strategically leads the Planning Department through the development of policies and systems to achieve the County’s goals pertaining to subdivision, commercial development, floodplain development, stormwater management, etc. the Director provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders, stays informed about industry trends, and represents the County at various local and regional boards and committees. The Planning Director will lead the creation of plans, targeted studies, and development of ordinances to promulgate the policy goals of the public, Quorum Court, and County Judge. The Director pursues the achievement of departmental goals, fosters collaboration internally and externally, and ensures compliance with regulations and industry standards to support the County’s growth and development. Additionally, the Planning Director oversees all administrative action by the Department including accounting and personnel matters, and legislative proposals.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receive administrative direction from the County Judge.

Exercises indirect supervision over Department Staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Supervision of staff:

• Oversees the recruitment, employment, and evaluation of Department staff.
• Develops department goals, objectives, policies and procedures to facilitate efficient and effective planning services.
• Defines the long-term strategic direction, structure, and performance goals of the Planning Department to ensure efficiency and public value.
• Establish systems to ensure consistency within the department, and implement improvements when necessary.
• Identify and satisfy staff development professional development needs.

Planning Board

• Attends Planning Board and Planning Board of Appeals meetings.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on all matters related to planning, county regulations, land use policies, and sustainable development practices.

Administration

• Prepare and administer annual budget for the department, review and approve budget expenses and capital requests.
• Manages grants applied for and allocated to the department. Applies for grants that contribute to County Planning goals.
• Attend Quorum Court, Budget Meetings, and County Services meetings after regular working hours. Attend other special committee meetings as needed.
• Collaborates with the County Attorney in legal matters pertaining to Planning.
• Takes responsibility for high-profile enforcement cases
• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request documents in a timely manner as requested.

Policy + Planning

• Advises the County Judge regarding departmental performance, emerging policy trends, and strategic risks impacting the County’s planning and development objectives.
• Prepares briefings and reports to senior officials and elected leaders, communicating significant developments and policy implications.
• Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to department projects; develop legislative revisions as needed.
• Participates in the preparation of land use planning, transportation planning, and other related community development plans.
• Presents policy analyses, technical reviews, and planning recommendations to governing bodies, including the Planning Board, Legislative Committees, and Quorum Court.
• Conducts a variety of special studies as needed.
• Serve as the contact point for contractors hire for planning services.

Regional Collaboration

• Represent the organization on regional/local boards, attend and present at community forums, stake holder meetings, including frequent evening and weekend engagements.
• Advance the County’s strategic planning interests for shared infrastructure and goals through collaboration with community groups, municipalities, nonprofits, state and federal government agencies, etc.
• Attends professional seminars, conferences, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable about issues pertaining to planning and rural development.
• Establish and maintain liaison with appropriate government bodies to ensure compliance with appropriate laws and development standards.

Other

• Performs other duties as needed
• Regular and reliable attendance

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and functions required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

• Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession, development process, a public administration
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics
• Considerable knowledge of principles of personnel management, including supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of research and analysis
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of budgeting and finance
• Knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations
• Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS; must posses knowledge of GIS applications, data analyses, and GPS data acquisition.
• Knowledge of database design and maintenance of data
• Extensive knowledge in Urbanized MS4 regulations and State permitting procedures
• Extensive knowledge in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Federal laws and Community Rating System (CRS).

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Leadership

• Effective leadership with all levels of staff, public, municipalities, State and Federal agencies, and others
• Proven management skills and ability lead operations
• Must demonstrate effective office management skills and responsibility for all resources within the Department

Critical Thinking

• Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within County policy guidelines and ordinances
• Negotiation, conflict management and consensus building techniques
• Skill in solving problems and dealing with a variety of variables in situations where little or no standardization exists.
• Able to plan, develop, and deliver programs essential to the operation of the county, which includes developing, revising, and/or implementing policies, procedures and programs.

Communication

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to government entities and various committees
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers
• Ability to develop and maintain interpersonal relations by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals, coworkers, other agencies and the public. May require attending meetings at various locations during business and non-business hours, including evenings, early mornings and weekends.

Organization

• Ability to prioritize multiple interoffice and external matters effectively
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain regular attendance on the job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, urban development, public administration or a related field required. A master's degree in planning, urban development, public administration or a related field is highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years progressively responsible experience in community development or planning, including supervisory experience, in municipal, county or local government planning is required.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the minimum requirements noted above.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION:

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required within three (3) years of hire.

Must obtain certification for a Certified Floodplain Manager and Stormwater/MS4 Manager certification within two (2) years of hire.

Must have a valid Arkansas State Driver's License current driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to use close vision in use with large amount of computer screen work. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to travel by foot across all types of terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to operate two-wheel and four-wheel drive County vehicle.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee must be able to perform routine tasks normally associated with an office setting. The noise level is moderate and the lifting requirements are minimal. The position may require limited outside work, including but not limited to development site visits and inspections.